Alumnus named brigadier general
Col. James Anderson never believed he would be named brigadier general in the Michigan National Guard.
"It's not something I thought would happen when I joined in 1972," he said.
In August, the Central Michigan University alumnus was named brigadier, and is now the Assistant Adjutant General in charge of the Michigan Army National Guard.
He graduated from CMU with a degree in elementary education in 1972. He also earned a master's degree from CMU.
He taught at Bangor Township schools in Bay County for 19 years. Then he moved on to Bullock Creek Schools in Midland, where he was a principal for 13 years.
Now retired, Anderson draws some comparisons between his various professions.
"Working with people is what I've done my whole life. What I did as a principal and do in this job is help people do their job well in order to accomplish the mission," he said.
Lt. Col. Aaron Kalloch, chairman of the military science department, said the promotion to the rank of brigadier general is a rare event and a benchmark of a successful career.
"For every 500 officers commissioned as a second lieutenants, only one will become a general officer," he said.
Kalloch compared the role of a one-star general to that of chief executive officer in a corporation.
A commander goes from being a operational leader to a strategic leader, he said.
"He will be responsible for providing direct leadership, vision and strategic direction for the organization," he said.
Adjutant Commander Maj. General Thomas Cutler oversees all the branches of the mission and is adviser to the governor on the National Guard. He promoted Anderson because of his diverse background and his leadership style, Cutler said.
Anderson began as an enlisted soldier and has led troops at all levels of the Army. His experience as a teacher also remains invaluable, Cutler said.
"His leadership style is one of team-building. He leads like a coach," Cutler said.
Anderson advises the Adjutant General on Army matters and is responsible for helping soldiers reintegrate into civilian life after tours of duty.
He also helps families of soldiers while they are deployed overseas. He said it is important to take care of the men and women who serve this country and their families.
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